"Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Northwest Florida’s beloved Major Joseph Reynes, Jr., United States Air Force Retired, who passed away on February 23, 2015. Major Reynes was a decorated veteran, committed public servant, and a loving family man, who served our Nation with honor and distinction. The Northwest Florida community mourns the loss of a great and compassionate man. Born on March 1, 1934, in Medina, New York, to Joseph and Alice Jay Reynes, Major Reynes developed a fascination for fighter aircraft as a young child growing up on Long Island. While attending the State University of New York at Buffalo, Major Reynes pursued his passion for flying and was commissioned in the United States Air Force in January 1955. Within months, Major Reynes pinned on his wings and was assigned to the 774th Troop Carrier Squadron at Ardmore Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he would meet his future bride, LaRita Dawn Foster. In 1960, upon completion of advanced fighter training at Nellis Air Force Base, Major Reynes received his orders as a fighter pilot in 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, and then in 1962, was assigned to the 481st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Major Reynes deployed during the Vietnam War to DaNang Air Base, where he flew the A1E/H and T-28. During a combat support mission in September 1965, his plane was shot down. Major Reynes was rescued and later assigned to Luke Air Force Base as a F-100 Instructor Pilot. In 1968, he was promoted to the rank of Major, and in 1969, he joined the “Iron Hand” support missions flying over North Vietnam. Major Reynes completed his final tour at 5th Air Force Headquarters in Tokyo as the Chief of Standard Evaluation."

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 50th Anniversary of AmeriCorps VISTA. AmeriCorps VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for 50 years. Every year, more than 8,000 Americans—serving at 1,100 projects nationwide—dedicate their skills, talents and passion in efforts to overcome poverty."

"Mr. Speaker, H.R. 294, as amended, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act, would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs for 3 years, beginning October 1 of 2015, to enter into a contract or agreement with a certified medical foster home to pay for long-term care for not more than 900 eligible veterans."

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of the Sheetz family and their all-American story of business success. Once a small family operated dairy store in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the Sheetz brand has grown into one of the most well loved brands in the country, with 14,500 employees and 437 locations across six states. Their business has changed with the demands of the country, and they have brought us innovations like MTO sandwiches and touch screen ordering, which was first installed in Altoona back in 1993. Recently, the Sheetz family proudly opened their 500th store in Thomasville, North Carolina—over 400 miles away from where the business was first born 63 years ago in Central Pennsylvania. Originally called Sheetz Kwik Shopper, the company’s success is a wonderful example of what makes this nation great. It all started when Bob Sheetz purchased one of his father’s dairy stores. After hiring his brother, Steve, the pair’s original business plan was to open one store a year by 1972. With 500 stores currently open across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina, their plan was a resounding success. Five members of the Sheetz family serve on the company’s executive committee including Bob’s son as president, and Steve, as Chairman of the board. Despite all of their growth and expansion, it remains a family business to this day. That is why it is no surprise that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Team Pennsylvania Foundation have named Sheetz one of the best places to work in Pennsylvania for the last 13 consecutive years. I want to thank the Sheetz’ family for their dedication to the community, and their friendly service to the thousands of families that visit their stores each day. I would also personally like to congratulate Sheetz on opening their 500th store. Their effort to turn the business into one of the fastest growing family operated convenience store chains in the world is remarkable, but is also no surprise to anyone who has met a member of the Sheetz family. With plans to open 1,000 total stores in the future, Sheetz is not slowing down. I am extremely proud to represent the Altoona area, and to be able to tell all of my colleagues on Capitol Hill that the 9th District is the birthplace of some of the best sandwiches in the country."

Founded in 2006, the Sunlight Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit that advocates for open government globally and uses technology to make government more accountable to all. Visit SunlightFoundation.com to learn more.

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